FPL expert creates the perfect wildcard team for GW4 to help all managers move up in their mini league.
I’ve ranked in the top 0.02% of all FPL teams for the past two seasons, and this is the squad I’d pick if I were wildcarding this week. We’re only three gameweeks into the 2026/27 Premier League season, and many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are already using their chips.
In Gameweek Three, a record number of managers used their triple captain chip, mostly for Erling Haaland’s nine points against Coventry City, while others used their Free Hit chips. With three weeks of games and data behind us, it’s a great time to rethink your team and use your wildcard to make big changes.
So, who should you pick on your wildcard this week? I finished 32nd overall in 2024/25 and 1,940th in 2025/26, and here’s the team I’d go for if my wildcard were active in Gameweek Four.
After three weeks, we have a better idea of which popular players are performing well and which teams to focus on in the coming weeks. For example, many expected Chelsea to improve under Xabi Alonso, but their strong start has surprised even the biggest fans. On the other hand, Coventry City’s poor showing—conceding five goals without scoring—has been worse than expected.
Here’s my wildcard draft for Gameweek Four:
Starting with goalkeeper, I think a £4.5m option is still the way to go, even though David Raya (ARS, £6.0m) looks tempting. Among the £4.5m goalkeepers, Brighton’s Verbruggen stands out. Brighton has done well so far, with one clean sheet from three games. Though the next few fixtures might be tough—ARS (H), SUN (A), CRY (H), LIV (A), MCI (A)—I still prefer Verbruggen over Spurs’ Antonin Kinsky.
At defender, Calafiori is a no-brainer. He’s been the best defender so far with two clean sheets, two assists, and two bonus points in three games. Hull City defenders are also impressing with three clean sheets, but Calafiori’s performance and chances make him a must-have.
For an Arsenal double-up, Konsa at just £4.4m is a steal. He was priced higher when playing for Aston Villa, but now he’s solid in Arteta’s defense, especially while Saliba is out, so grab him while you can.
I also like Thiaw from Newcastle at £5.0m. Even though Newcastle has had a rough start, he’s earned eight points with a clean sheet and defensive contributions. Yes, he scored an own goal recently, but with easier upcoming fixtures, he’s worth keeping.
In midfield, Man United’s Fernandes is a clear pick, especially as captain. Priced at £12m, he’s the second highest-scoring midfielder with 27 points and contributes goals, assists, and even clean sheet points.
Palmer from Chelsea is another solid pick looking at his two goals and one assist so far—especially with Chelsea’s decent fixtures ahead. He’s even my top captain choice for Gameweek Four.
This wildcard team fits nicely into a £100m budget, with a little left over. Some managers might prefer Liverpool’s Szoboszlai (£7.0m), but I’m impressed with Manchester City’s Fernandez (£6.9m). He’s forming a great partnership with Haaland and has shown great form, while being owned by only 3.2% of managers—a real differential.
Speaking of Haaland, he’s an absolute must-have with three goals in three matches, owned by 71.3% of managers—you can’t go wrong with him.
Pedro at Chelsea is another in-form player to consider, with two goals, two assists, and 21 points so far. Despite two price rises, he remains a great bargain, especially as there aren’t many standout forwards this season.
Barry from Everton is a bold choice compared to the popular Calvert-Lewin. Barry is only owned by 5.6% of managers but has a nailed-on spot up front and a nice run of fixtures. He might be worth bringing in for the short term to get some good points.
On the bench, don’t worry too much about the exact players. Any good 4.0m goalkeeper who’s not highly owned will do, as well as a few solid £5m defenders like Muharemovic from Leeds, who has piled up points through defensive contributions, and Hull’s Egan and Slater, who offer steady performances and occasional attacking returns.
Overall, this wildcard team is balanced, budget-friendly, and ready to take advantage of the season so far!
Happy managing!